Most of Virginia’s Democratic congressional delegation is making the case for Virginia to be one of the early primary states in the 2028 presidential race. According to the New York Times, the Democratic National Committee, which sets the primary schedule, has said that one state from each of four regions will hold nominating contests in the early window before Super Tuesday.
Virginia, which is vying for the southern region spot, sent a letter to DNC leaders signed by Democratic congressional leaders. Virginia Scope obtained the letter.
“We write jointly, as leaders on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to respectfully request that the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee grant a waiver permitting Virginia to conduct its 2028 Presidential Primary within the early presidential nominating window established by the Committee,” the letter states.
Virginia historically has held presidential primary elections on Super Tuesday, along with many other states. If the commonwealth were given an earlier primary date, Virginia would receive significantly more attention from presidential candidates.
In making the case for an earlier primary, party leaders pointed to the state’s election infrastructure and track record.
“Virginia seeks inclusion in the early nominating process based on its demonstrated capacity to administer a rigorous, fair, and transparent presidential nominating contest and its consistent record of national leadership within the Democratic Party,” the letter continues. “The Commonwealth conducts elections through a professional, statewide system that is continuously active, uniform across jurisdictions, and capable of supporting a high-profile early contest in compliance with national party rules.”
The letter also referenced the Virginia Democratic Party’s diversity and how it is more reflective of the national party than competitors like South Carolina, which typically holds an early primary but is a conservative state.
“Virginia’s electorate reflects the breadth of the modern Democratic coalition and provides a meaningful test of presidential candidates’ ability to build durable support across diverse constituencies and regions,” the letter states. “Candidates competing in Virginia must demonstrate organizing capacity, coalition-building skill, and governing readiness across urban, suburban, and rural communities that closely resemble the national electorate Democrats must assemble to prevail in a general election.”
The letter is signed by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Don Beyer, VA-08, Rep. Eugene Vindman, VA-07, Rep. Bobby Scott, VA-03, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, VA-04, Rep. James Walkinshaw and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, VA-10.
The full 17-page Democratic proposal obtained by Virginia Scope goes in-depth to say that Virginia Democrats have taken the lead for the party by starting the redistricting process.
“Virginia Democrats have taken national leadership in the redistricting fight, not as an abstract debate about ‘process,’ but as a direct response to the threat of Trump-era politics and a clear-eyed effort to protect Democratic power, defend governing majorities, and build a durable national map,” the proposal states. “Virginia’s willingness to fight on redistricting reflects a broader truth: Virginia is not a passive participant in national politics. Virginia is an active force in defending and advancing Democratic governance.”
Other states that applied from the southern region are Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
According to the New York Times, party leaders will meet later this month to discuss the applications.